From: hubermanlab
NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) has been a topic of growing interest in both the scientific and medical communities due to its reported benefits in enhancing cellular function and overall health. The infusion of NAD directly into the bloodstream is a method that has been shown to offer several health benefits, which Dr. Craig Conover discusses in his interview on the Huberman Lab podcast.
What is NAD?
NAD is a coenzyme present in all living cells and is crucial for metabolic processes. It participates in redox reactions, which are essential for converting nutrients into cellular energy. NAD exists in two forms: NAD+ and NADH, facilitating energy transfer in cells by accepting and donating electrons [02:03:19].
Benefits of NAD Infusion
Dr. Conover outlines several benefits observed from NAD infusions, derived from his extensive clinical experience:
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Enhanced Mental Clarity and Mood: Patients have reported feeling a significant improvement in mental clarity and mood following NAD infusions. These effects suggest an enhancement in neurocognitive functions, possibly due to improved mitochondrial function and cellular repair mechanisms facilitated by NAD mitochondrial function in mental health [02:02:00].
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Increased Energy Levels: NAD plays a pivotal role in energy metabolism. Infusions help restore NAD+ levels, thus enhancing the efficiency of the energy production pathways in mitochondria. Patients often report higher energy levels and improved metabolic function after receiving NAD infusions energy production and metabolic dysfunction [02:00:53].
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Potential Therapeutic Effects on Neurodegenerative Conditions: While more research is needed, there is a hypothesis that NAD+ therapy could slow the progression of age-related and neurodegenerative conditions by bolstering cellular repair pathways role of sirtuins in aging [02:04:36].
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Detoxification and Recovery: NAD infusions have been used traditionally in addiction recovery settings to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and promote recovery. This is due to NAD’s role in repairing DNA, reducing inflammation, and modulating neurotransmitter levels addiction and recovery [02:01:02].
Administration and Experience
NAD can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously:
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Intravenous (IV) Infusion: The standard loading dose is typically 750 milligrams IV over a span of one to two hours. Although the infusion can induce discomfort such as muscle cramps and nausea, patients frequently report beneficial effects shortly after administration [02:00:46].
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Subcutaneous Injection: For ongoing treatments, a subcutaneous injection of 100 milligrams, five days on and two days off, is used. This method is less intense and allows patients to self-administer NAD in a manageable manner [02:02:56].
Clinical Observations
Dr. Conover emphasizes the transformative effects he has seen in patients using NAD therapy. Many describe a dramatic improvement in symptoms related to chronic fatigue, mood disorders, and cognitive decline biological basis of mood disorders. However, he stresses the need for these treatments to be conducted under proper medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness [02:04:36].
Note
While NAD infusion shows promise, it remains a relatively underexplored area of therapy requiring further research to better understand its full capabilities and limitations. It’s highly recommended that individuals seek professional medical advice before undergoing NAD therapy.
The ongoing research and reporting from practitioners like Dr. Conover are pivotal in understanding and potentially expanding the application of NAD infusions for health optimization.